Therefore leaving the principles of the Doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto Perfection; not laying again the foundation of Repentance from dead works, and of Faith toward G-d, Hebrews 6:1
DEFINING HUMANISM
Humanism can be defined as, "Man as the Center of the Universe". In the Humanist System, Man is Sovereign.
Man takes comfort in trusting in his own works. The Scripture says Mans' works are completely corrupted, and so can accomplish nothing Divine.
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Yeshiyahu (Isaiah) 64:6
THE THREE BASIC SYSTEMS OF HUMANISM
There are three basic types of Humanism: Secular Humanism, Religious Humanism and Christian Humanism. They all attempt to empoewer Mans' "dead works" by denying that Man is completely Fallen, and so, Mans' works, they say, are free to play a part in Salvation, Sanctification and/or Spirituality. The most well-organized of the attempts to empower Mans' works to do such things is called Humanism which we can divide into three basic categories or Systems.
The Secular Humanistic System denies that Man is in any way a sinner. Usually, they deny G-d or that there is an afterlife, so Salvation is of no importance. Man is "born innocent".
The Religious Humanistic System will admit that Man is a sinner, but not completely Fallen, and is able, by some System of non-Christian Religious works, to effect his own Salvation without Christ. Unregenerate Man retains a "divine spark" and is able to Save himself. Unregenerate Man is "born innocent" and can "produce Grace".
The Christian Humanistic System agrees that Man is indeed Fallen, but only partially. Man can, by the application of "Christian works" effect his own Salvation. Unregenerate Man retains a "divine spark", either in the Will or in the Intellect.[1] Unregenerate Man is many times said to be "born innocent" in these areas and so can "produce Grace".
Some may say these are critical distinctions to be sure, but for a proper understanding of this most important issue, Grace, these distinctions must be both known and understood.
What Man does, or attempts to do, in the application of any Humanistic System, is somehow empower Unregenerate Man with an ability to Will or Produce Divine Good or Divine Grace.
HOW THE EARLY CHURCH DEALT WITH THESE PROBLEMS
All of the above Systems are not "new". The Church has been around for centuries, and these arguments were all previouisly presented.
It is very important to understand that all three of these Humanistic Systems above were Ruled Heresy in the early Church at several Councils and Synods, such as the Council od Orange in 529 A.D.
In the early Church it was not called Humanism. Humanism is what is called today. Yet we see the re-emergence of the same Heresies.
Why?
Simply because Man has been unable to produce any argument that is better!
So what does Man do? He keeps re-asserting the same argument, generation after generation, ensnaring those who simply do not know or have rejected the basic Principles of True Christian Doctrine.[2] That is why it is called Humanism today.
THERE IS ONLY ONE SOURCE OF DIVINE GRACE, AND THAT IS THROUGH JESUS CHRIST ALONE
But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the Grace of God, and the gift by Grace, which is by One Man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. Romans 5:15
That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might Grace Reign through Righteousness unto Eternal Life by Jesus Christ our L-rd. Romans 5:21
NO HUMAN WORK CAN BRING SANCTIFICATION OR SPIRITUALITY, EITHER
As we have seen, Unregenerate Man cannot be Saved by his own works.
No man is made "Spiritual" by his own works either. Today, some would say, such as the United Pentecostal Church (U.P.C), that one is Saved by "Speaking in Tongues". This is a false teaching.
Likewise, no one becomes "Sanctified" by "Speaking in Tongues" either. What cannot Save by itself because it is a human work, cannot ever "Sanctify" by itself. Some would seek to boast or imply that "charismatic works" are the greatest works.
There are no greater works than the works of The Law. Yet, no man is Saved by keeping the Law. We are Saved by Grace alone, through Faith alone in Jesus Christ, not of any works of our own, it is totally a Gift of G-d, because if we could be Saved by anything else than His Grace, we would boast in those works before G-d. No man boasts before G-d.
Believing that great works, even the works of the Law, or any other works can Save, Sanctify or make Spiritiual or "produce grace" outside opf the Two Sacraments brings sin.[3] That is one reason why Paul wrote:
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the Law, but under Grace. Roman 6:14
Sin "has dominion" when you try to do any human work to effect Divine Good. We are not under that teaching any more which false teachers try to say is a "Law", but now realize we are under His Grace alone which is the True Source of Divine Good, not our own works at any point.
TRUE CHRISTIANS ARE THE GRACE RECIPIENTS OF A NEW GRACE LIFE
But grow in Grace, and in the knowledge of our L-rd and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be Glory both now and for Ever. Amen. II Peter 3:18
The Grace of our L-rd Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Revelation 22:21
Copyright 2003 People of G-d Inc. All Rights Reserved. Not for reproduction or redistribution without Written Permission and Consent of People of G-d Inc.
